Recent arrests in India for illegal e-cigarette supply operation

Jul.30.2024
Recent arrests in India for illegal e-cigarette supply operation
Indian police in Noida arrested two suspects for illegally supplying e-cigarettes worth 80 lakh rupees; brands include ELFBAR.

According to a report by Etvbharat on July 29, the Noida police in India recently arrested two suspected individuals for illegally supplying e-cigarettes at various locations, and seized illegal e-cigarettes worth approximately 800,000 rupees ($9,553.86). The seized products included the e-cigarette brand "ELFBAR".


At present, the local police have seized the suspect's car and motorcycle and are continuing to investigate the suspect's criminal background.


According to the media report, these illegal e-cigarettes are being brought into India through China and Gulf countries, while local smugglers are responsible for distribution.


Deputy Inspector Manish Kumar Mishra of the Noida police said that based on information from informants, they intercepted a suspicious vehicle near Sector 37 and found 800,000 rupees (approximately $9,553.86 USD) worth of Chinese-made e-cigarettes hidden inside. The smuggler was identified as Riyaz Ahmed from Uttar Pradesh. In a separate operation, police from Sector 49 also arrested another suspect, Ranjit, in Pratapgarh, and seized a large quantity of e-cigarettes from him.


Currently residing in Barora, Rajit supplies e-cigarettes using a motorbike. Due to high demand, the prices of these illegal e-cigarettes have been inflated to 4,000 (47.77 USD) to 5,000 Rupees (59.71 USD) each. These e-cigarettes are mainly supplied on demand to PG residences, universities, and other locations. The police are investigating the recipients of these e-cigarettes, particularly in areas near well-known colleges where demand is high.


During the interrogation of the suspects, they revealed that the batch of e-cigarettes was first brought into Delhi from Nepal, and then sold to other states and regions. There are several active smuggling groups in and around Delhi and Rajasthan, making profits of tens of thousands of rupees every month.


Previously, police in districts 39 and 63 have busted a smuggling ring of e-cigarettes using the Nepal route. Currently, authorities are examining the suspects' WhatsApp groups, expecting to obtain more clients and other crucial information from them.


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